Mathiang on the path back

FORMER Australian NBA big man Mangok Mathiang continues to recover from his right leg injury, and he can thank the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Mathiang, who played four NBA games for Charlotte between 2017-18, hasn’t played since September 2020 when it was announced that he would miss at least six months after suffering a right leg injury that required surgery while playing in Slovenia.

He has trained with South East Melbourne in the pre-season for the past few years, including this year, while the Phoenix recommended a surgeon for his injury.

Mathiang (above) still hasn’t fully recovered, but he would be an asset to any club when fit.

He won’t line up for South East Melbourne at this point, with the Phoenix to announce their import signing to replace the sacked Devin Thomas this week.

LIKE

AUSTRALIAN batsman Usman Khawaja for his LeBron James inspired celebration after he blasted a 137 in his return to the Test team following a two-year absence.

The 35-year-old ripped his helmet off before stopping and busting out his own version of James‘ trademark ’silencer’ celebration (right).

“I love LeBron James,” Khawaja said. “It just felt right. I do it mucking around with the boys all the time or when I hit a few good shots playing basketball. So, I’ve had a bit of practice at it.

“I love Test cricket. But sometimes it feels a bit traditional for my liking, so I like to give it a bit of spark.”

DISLIKE

THERE is a concern within clubland that some teams are bending the rules to suit them if their stars can’t play due to Covid.

Each NBL team needs a maximum of eight players to play a game, but some clubs and players are worried that rivals are opting not play if their best players are ruled out because of Covid.

The NBL are adamant the season will finish in April despite all the schedule changes. and I’m told the league will crack down on clubs if they don’t play because a star is sidelined.